Name: Risk of Earthquake Activity at North Anna

Year Awarded:

Type Awarded: Scholarship

Details: Environmental safety has long been a concern for communities living near nuclear power plants. Many surrounding the North Anna nuclear power plant are particularly concerned about the impact of earthquake activity on the safety and functionality of the plant. Since 1973, two nuclear reactors have been built near multiple known earthquake faults in Louisa, Virginia. Nuclear waste is also stored on site. An earthquake could lead to problems that would have wide ranging impacts on surrounding communities. Recipients of this grant will compile information to create maps detailing earthquake activity around the North Anna power plant. Maps will show how earthquake activity (intensity, epicenter location, magnitude, type of earthquake, depth of earthquake) has changed over time, comparing data going back to 1900. Recipients will also create maps showing evacuation routes to be used in the event of an environmental accident at the plant. Maps of population changes along the evacuation routes will be used to assess potential impacts of an environmental disaster.

Status: Ongoing: Scholarship awarded in July of 2025. Final products will be presented in October of 2025.